What is the best time to visit Norway?

Best Time to Visit Norway

The best time to travel to Norway is during the summer months (June to August) and winter months (December to February).

Summer in Norway

Summer in Norway is the perfect time for travelers to experience the country’s natural beauty. With long days and plenty of sunshine, travelers can expect pleasant weather conditions and a variety of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy. During the summer months, travelers can also experience the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon where the sun is visible 24 hours a day. Additionally, travelers can attend a variety of festivals throughout the summer such as the Bergen International Festival and the Oslo Jazz Festival.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Norway

Norway in January

Weather

January is the coldest month in Norway, with temperatures ranging from 0 to -10 degrees Celsius throughout the country. The days are short, with only about 6 hours of daylight. Snowfall is common in the mountains and is likely to occur in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

Events

• The Bergen International Film Festival is held in Bergen, Norway in January. The festival showcases the best of Norwegian and international films.
• The annual Holmenkollen Ski Festival is held in Oslo in January. This is one of the world’s oldest ski festivals and features ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports.
• The Oslo International Church Music Festival is held in January. This festival brings together some of the best church musicians from around the world.
• The annual Norway Cup is held in Oslo in January. This is the world’s largest youth football tournament, with over 1,000 teams from around the world participating.
• The annual Polar Jazz Festival is held in Tromsø in January. This festival features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.

Norway in January

Weather

January in Norway is a cold winter month, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C. Snow is common in most parts of the country, and the days are short with only around 6 hours of daylight.

Events

• The annual Winter Festival in Tromso is held in January, and features a variety of cultural events, ice sculptures, and snow sports.
• The Bergen International Film Festival is held in January, showcasing the best of Norwegian and international cinema.
• The World Cup Biathlon is held in Holmenkollen, Oslo in January.
• The annual Ski Festival is held in Trysil, Norway in January, and features a variety of skiing and snowboarding competitions.
• The annual Polar Jazz Festival is held in Longyearbyen, Svalbard in January, and features jazz music from around the world.

Norway in March

Weather

March is the beginning of spring in Norway, and temperatures can vary significantly. The average temperature in the south of Norway is around 5°C (41°F) and in the north it can be as low as -2°C (28°F). The days are getting longer and the sun is out for about 8 hours a day.

Events

• The Norwegian Constitution Day is celebrated on May 17th. This is a national holiday and is celebrated with parades, speeches, and other festivities.
• The Bergen International Festival is held in March and is one of the largest cultural events in Norway. It includes music, theater, and dance performances from around the world.
• The International Film Festival in Haugesund is held in March and is one of the most important film festivals in Scandinavia.
• The St. Olavsleden pilgrimage is a popular event in March. This is a 500-kilometer (310-mile) pilgrimage that starts in Selånger, Sweden and ends in Trondheim, Norway.
• The Norwegian Easter is celebrated in March and is a traditional holiday with a variety of activities and events.

Norway in April

Weather

April in Norway is usually mild and wet, with temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees Celsius. Snow is still possible in some areas, but it is generally melting away.

Events

• Easter: Easter is celebrated in Norway on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. It is usually celebrated with church services, egg hunts, and family gatherings.
• St. Hans: St. Hans is a traditional Norwegian celebration of the summer solstice that takes place on the evening of June 23rd. It is celebrated with bonfires, speeches, and traditional Norwegian food.
• Oslo Marathon: The Oslo Marathon is an annual race held in April that attracts thousands of runners from around the world.
• Norwegian Constitution Day: On May 17th, Norway celebrates its Constitution Day with parades, music, and festivities.
• Bergen International Festival: The Bergen International Festival is an annual music and arts festival held in April that features performances from international and Norwegian artists.

Norway in May

Weather

May is the start of summer in Norway, with temperatures ranging from 8-15°C (46-59°F). The days are getting longer, and the sun is shining for more hours each day. The weather can be unpredictable, with rain and sun both possible.

Events

• Syttende Mai (17th of May): This is Norway’s Constitution Day, and it is celebrated with parades and festivities across the country.
• Norwegian Wood: This music festival is held in Oslo each year in May, and features a variety of international and Norwegian acts.
• Bergen International Festival: This festival takes place in Bergen each year, and showcases classical music, opera, dance and theatre.
• Oslo Marathon: This annual event takes place in May and is a great way to explore the city of Oslo.
• Norsk Høstfest: This is the largest Scandinavian festival in North America, and is held in North Dakota each year in May.

Norway in June

Weather

June in Norway is usually mild and pleasant. The days are long, with up to 19 hours of daylight in the northern parts of the country. Average temperatures range from 8-17°C (46-63°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of 10-15 days of rain per month.

Events

• Bergen International Festival – This 10-day festival is held in Bergen and features a variety of cultural events, including music, theater, and visual arts. It takes place in late May and early June.
• Midsummer – Midsummer is celebrated on the 24th of June. It is a traditional holiday in Norway, and is celebrated with bonfires, barbecues, and dancing.
• Oslo Jazz Festival – This annual jazz festival takes place in Oslo and features performances by both Norwegian and international artists. It usually takes place in the first half of June.
• St. Hans – St. Hans is a traditional bonfire celebration that takes place on the 23rd of June. It is celebrated with bonfires, food, and music.
• Norwegian Constitution Day – On the 17th of May, Norway celebrates its Constitution Day with parades, concerts, and other festivities.

Norway in July

Weather

July is the warmest month in Norway, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). The days are long and the sun is out for most of the day. Rainfall is common, especially in the northwest, but it rarely interferes with outdoor activities.

Events

• The annual Bergen International Festival is held in July, with a variety of concerts, operas, and theater performances.
• The Sildajazz Festival is held in Haugesund in July, featuring a variety of jazz music from around the world.
• The Stavanger International Chamber Music Festival is held in July, with performances from some of the world’s most renowned classical musicians.
• The annual Norwegian Wood Festival is held in July, with performances from some of the world’s most renowned rock and pop musicians.
• The Norsk Folkemuseum hosts the annual Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations in Oslo on July 17th, with parades, music, and traditional Norwegian food.

Norway in August

Weather

August in Norway is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is usually light and sporadic, but can be more frequent in the northern parts of the country.

Events

• The Oslo Jazz Festival is a popular event that takes place in August and features a variety of jazz music performances.
• The Bergen International Festival is a 10-day event in August that celebrates music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.
• The Stavanger International Chamber Music Festival is a two-week event in August that features classical music performances from around the world.
• The Ålesund Jazz Festival is a four-day event in August that features jazz music performances from both Norwegian and international artists.
• The Nordland Music Festival is a five-day event in August that celebrates traditional and contemporary music from all over Norway.

Norway in September

Weather

September is the beginning of autumn in Norway. The days are shorter and the weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Rain is common, but snow is unlikely.

Events

• The Oslo Marathon takes place in September, with runners taking on a 42.2 km course through the city.
• The Øya Festival is a four-day music festival in Oslo, featuring both international and local acts.
• The Stavanger International Chamber Music Festival takes place in September, with concerts held in various venues around the city.
• The Bergen International Festival is a two-week event featuring music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.
• The Norwegian Constitution Day is celebrated on the 17th of September, with parades and festivities held in cities and towns across the country.

Norway in October

Weather

In October, Norway experiences cooler temperatures with an average high of 10°C (50°F) and an average low of 2°C (36°F). The days are shorter, with an average of 7 hours of daylight. Rainfall is common throughout the month, with an average of 11 days of rain.

Events

• Norway’s Constitution Day is celebrated on October 17th. This national holiday is marked with parades, flags, and traditional Norwegian costumes.
• The Bergen International Film Festival takes place in October, showcasing some of the best films from Norway and around the world.
• The Oslo Jazz Festival is held in October, featuring performances from both Norwegian and international jazz musicians.
• The Bergen International Festival is held in October, featuring a range of performances from classical music to theatre and dance.
• The Stavanger International Chamber Music Festival is held in October, featuring performances from some of the world’s best chamber music ensembles.

Norway in November

Weather

In November, Norway experiences cold weather with temperatures ranging from -2 to 6 degrees Celsius. The days are short, with the sun setting around 4 pm, and the nights are long and dark. Snow is common in the northern parts of Norway.

Events

• The annual Oslo International Film Festival takes place in November. It is one of the largest film festivals in the Nordic countries, and screens films from all around the world.
• The annual Norwegian Food Festival is held in November. This festival celebrates Norwegian cuisine and culture, and is a great opportunity to sample traditional Norwegian dishes.
• The annual Oslo Jazz Festival takes place in November. This festival features some of the best jazz musicians from Norway and around the world.
• The annual Bergen International Festival takes place in November. This festival features classical music, opera, and theater performances from around the world.
• The annual Christmas Fair in Oslo takes place in November. This fair features traditional Christmas markets, food stalls, and entertainment.

Norway in December

Weather

December in Norway is usually cold with temperatures ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 3°C (37°F). Snowfall is common in most parts of the country, and the days are short with only around 6 hours of daylight.

Events

• Christmas is celebrated in Norway on December 25th. Many Norwegians will attend church services and visit family on this day.
• The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually in Oslo on December 10th.
• The St. Olav Festival is held in Trondheim on December 6th to commemorate the death of St. Olav in 1030.
• The Lucia Festival is celebrated on December 13th to mark the beginning of the Christmas season.
• The Winter Solstice is celebrated in Norway on December 21st. This is the shortest day of the year and marks the start of winter.